Today I ran a 25 minute workshop on flipping the classroom with half of my colleagues. I have only been at the school since the beginning of this year and still really only know a number of people by name and from conversations around the staff room. So, to start off my presentation I gave them a bit of a background as to why I was there, presenting to them. When I started talking about myself I automatically began to feel awkward. I love doing what I do and who it has helped me become, but sometimes I worry that people will think I'm trying to be an overachiever or even that I inflate the things I've done to try to make myself sound better.

Because I started feeling uncomfortable 'going on' about myself, I actually gave a watered down version of the achievements I have made and the things I am still doing. I don't do any of this for recognition from others... I simply do it because I love it and hope that it all helps to improve outcomes for my students.

I love sharing what I do on social media - through Twitter, Instagram and of course, this blog and it is this sharing that has helped me to build my PLN and my confidence. Both of these things have made me branch out and present at as many TeachMeets and conferences that I can.

It's this sharing that has also helped me achieve the awesome status of being included in the Flipped Learning Global Initiative's Top 100 educators leading flipped learning worldwide. I haven't specifically mentioned this on my blog, however, I have included the digital badge for people to see. I am still a little in shock about my inclusion on the list and now want to do everything I can in order to make sure I live up to the expectations of being included on the list amongst some amazing educators from around the world.

Another conversation along these lines I've had with colleagues around the same age as me recently is the number of younger teachers who are moving into leadership roles. Please, do not take this as a negative, it's more a reflection on myself that when I was their age (man I sound old!) I didn't have the guts to be applying for leadership positions because I didn't think I had the skills/expertise/age to take on such roles. Sometimes I still find myself talking myself out of particular things for the same reasons... but obviously this isn't the case anymore. I give props to these younger educators taking leaps in their careers... I just hope I haven't missed the boat!!!

Writing this blog post has been quite therapeutic to get a few of these things off my chest. But now, time for a new mantra... let this be it...

Hey Kelly, I always love listening to a teacher who is passionate about what they do. I thought your presentation was great in sparking new ideas for me. Whilst our past achievements give us credibility Its the knowing you are an authority and demonstrating that to your audience that give you more kudos. Hey and I see no reason to sell yourself short. Look forward to more collaboration.

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Kelly Hollis

A high school science and Biology teacher in Sydney, Australia. #aussieED co-founder. Interested in the integration of ICT into the Science curriculum.